Ancient ruins found under Rajasthan lake

The fortress is estimated to be 800 years old

Legends come easy in Rajasthan’s expanse of golden sands and shimmering waters, the latest surrounding an underwater excavation in the southern end of the state. A team of divers and archaeologists have spent the last three weeks excavating the remains of a fortress estimated to be 800 years old. The expedition was triggered by tourists who, unaware that the lake was venerated by the locals, had dived in to discover shadowy formations underwater.

Photo: Zac Macaulay/Getty Images

Authorities have announced an embargo on the location of the discovery, as it won’t be the first time that a medieval tale stirs up modern-day sentiments. For among the finds of pottery, garments, trunks, coins, vessels, bottles, draperies, jewellery, combs, mirrors and slippers are waterproofed capsules of paintings. “Not much can be revealed at this stage but all the images are of women,” said the director of the archaeological mission, “But we’re still looking.”

Still, a ray of hope has emerged in another recurring symbol in the paintings: women flying over forests and rivers in what appear to be hovercraft. Only Madhya Pradesh has that extent of forest cover today, of course. “Indians invented planes thousands of years ago,” the director said, “We are only seeing the picture now.”

As idyllic as this world seems, it will likely remain under wraps as this piece is an excavation of the imagination rather than investigation. Here’s to celebrating the fool and being a good sport today.